Discovered by Columbus in 1493, Vieques, like many Caribbean Islands, fell under the control and influence of several countries. The English named it Crab Island, the Spanish, Vieques & maps from the era bear both names.
In the early 1800’s, a Frenchman, Teofilo LeGuillou established the first plantation and rum distillery. Five plantations later, covering half the island, “Cane became King”.
It didn’t take long for enterprising cane cutters to appropriate some of that company cane for personal use; going underground to set up, hidden deep in the jungle, clandestine distilleries of their own.
That’s our heritage, our inspiration: From “ill gotten cane” to the first artisan rums.
